THE European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) on Orkney has struck its third partnership deal in the Far East after agreeing a major international collaboration with South Korea.

EMEC has signed a memorandum of understanding with Incheon Metropolitan City (IMC), in north-western South Korea, to provide technical assistance on the design, construction and operation of a tidal energy testing facility in the province.

The partnership will see EMEC support the IMC region as it looks to harness the power of the harsh sea environment off its Western coast, through information sharing and knowledge gathering.

EMEC’s involvement in the South Korean project follows on from earlier deals with the Ocean University China, the Japanese Marine Energy Centre, the Pacific Marine Energy Centre in Oregon, USA, and its strategic agreement with Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy, Canada.

Established in 2003, EMEC is the only accredited wave and tidal test centre for marine renewable energy worldwide, providing unparalleled experience and knowledge of testing in real sea conditions.

Richard Morris, commercial director at EMEC, said: “Establishing this link with Incheon shows that the experience which Scotland possesses is sought after and seen as key to the development of marine renewable industries in other countries.”